Creep up on
verb
To approach someone or something quietly and slowly, often with the intent to surprise them.
The cat was trying to creep up on the mouse.
Often appears as...
- creep up on someone
- creep up on something
verb
To approach or happen without being noticed or without realizing.
I didn't realize how late it has gotten, the night really crept up on me.
Often appears as...
- time creeps up on
- old age crept up on
verb
To gradually increase or accumulate without being noticed.
The expenses really crept up on us over the years.
Often appears as...
- expenses creep up on
- debt crept up on
verb
To approach someone or something quietly and slowly, often with the intent to surprise them.
The cat was trying to creep up on the mouse.
Often appears as...
- creep up on someone
- creep up on something
verb
To approach or happen without being noticed or without realizing.
I didn't realize how late it has gotten, the night really crept up on me.
Often appears as...
- time creeps up on
- old age crept up on
verb
To gradually increase or accumulate without being noticed.
The expenses really crept up on us over the years.
Often appears as...
- expenses creep up on
- debt crept up on
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Stealth Required
Use when describing actions that require quietness and careful movement not to be detected.
She crept up on her friend to surprise her with a gift.
Pro Tip 2/2Prey and Predator
Often used in the context of hunting or observing animals in nature.
The photographer crept up on the birds to get a close shot.
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